Federica Mogherini: World needs EU ‘like never before’

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini offered a sneak preview of the case she will make to the bloc’s leaders next week on moving forward after the Brexit vote, claiming the world needs “a strong European Union like never before.”

In the foreword to a “Global Strategy” paper she will present at an EU summit on Tuesday and Wednesday in Brussels, Mogherini said Europe had a crucial role to play in creating stability during “challenging” times.

“The purpose, even existence, of our Union is being questioned,” Mogherini wrote. “Yet, our citizens and the world need a strong European Union like never before.”

Mogherini, who has sought to strengthen the EU’s voice on the world stage, wrote that in the wake of the Brexit referendum “we will indeed have to rethink the way our Union works, but we perfectly know what to work for. We know what our principles, our interests and our priorities are. This is no time for uncertainty: our Union needs a strategy.”

She added that the EU “has always prided itself on its soft power — and it will keep doing so, because we are the best in this field. However, the idea that Europe is an exclusively ‘civilian power’ does not do justice to an evolving reality.”

The strategy, she wrote, will include deeper transatlantic ties and cooperation with NATO, “while we will also connect to new players and explore new formats.”

Mogherini said the full strategy would be made public after it is presented to EU leaders.

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pete

Fear …everyone thinking of leaving this union ..fear

Posted on 6/26/16 | 1:57 PM CET

Gary

“A stronger European Union like never before…”…this from a woman who, after the Brussels attack that her policies helped enable, showed her strength by running off the stage bawling like a baby. She represents why the EU is impotent, and its citizens rightfully sceptical.

Posted on 6/26/16 | 2:37 PM CET

Alan

“However, the idea that Europe is an exclusively ‘civilian power’ does not do justice to an evolving reality.”
Code for the European Army which everyone said was not on the cards?

After the recent elections in Italy perhaps a look over the shoulder to see if the people really are following you??

Posted on 6/26/16 | 3:18 PM CET

Roy Jacobs

When confronted with danger, she cries, when confronted with difficulties, she lies.
The EU had soft power, via the British, and hard power via the British.
It is now wounded and weak in both areas.

Posted on 6/27/16 | 12:04 AM CET

Corni

EU in damage control. The Brussels bureaucrats did not loose an inch from their arrogance and imperial posture. Che sarà, sarà!